Activity Series Lab

Making an Activity Series of Metals using different Solutions
Purpose/ Hypothesis:
The purpose of this lab was to clearly identify the reactivity of magnesium, zinc and copper. The metals reactivity will be exemplified as it will be tested with different solutions such as zinc sulfate (ZnSO4), copper sulfate (CuSO4), hydrochloric acid (HCL), magnesium sulfate (Mg2SO4), iron (II) sulfate (FeSO4) and tin (II) chloride (SnCl2). This will allow us in creating an activity series to visually see the reactivity when given single displacement reactions. An activity series is used to determine if a metal will displace a compound (swap places) as it will create a single displacement reaction (www. Cod.edu), this can only occur if a single metal is highly
Low reactivity, High reactivity and NR was used ( minor bubbles- LR, Large bubbles / colour change – HR and no change NR)
10. The results were clarified using an activity series and the observations made
11. The work station was cleared and wiped with a paper towel
12. The reacted substances were disposed in a proper chemical waste bin
13. The data collected was used to form chemical equations which were balanced
14. The experiment had been completed

Results:
Table 1: Qualitative and Quantitative Observations
For the reactivity of copper, magnesium, and zinc.
Mg Zn Cu
Mg 2 + ZnSO4  Low reactivity
- Minor bubbles were forming Zn2 + ZnSO4  No reactivity Cu2+ ZnSO4  No reactivity
Mg 2 +CuSO4  Low reactivity Zn2+ CuSO4  low reactivity Cu2+Cuso4  No reactivity
Mg 2 + HCL High reactivity
- Crackling sound
- Very large bubbles
- Precipitate was formed Zn2+ HCL  High reactivity
- Bubbles and a slight colour change Cu2+ HCL Low reactivity

Mg 2 + MgSO4 No reactivity Zn2+ MgSO4  No reactivity Cu2+ MgSO4 No reactivity
Mg 2 + FeSO4  High reactivity
- Many bubbles formed
- Solution changed colour from yellow to clear Zn2+ FeSO4 High reactivity
- Yellow to slight orange in colour Cu + FeSO4  No reactivity

-It gets really dull in
For each single displacement reaction that occurred, write the corresponding balanced chemical equation. Keep in mind that hydrogen is a diatomic element.

• Mg 2( s) + 2 ZnSO4 (aq) 2 MgSO4(aq) + Zn2 ( s)
• Mg 2 ( s) + 2 CuSO4(aq)  2MgSO4 (aq)+ Cu2 ( s)
• Mg 2( s) +2 HCL(aq)  MgCl2(aq) +